I choose peace over democracy

Nobody would ever think that the smallest attempt to cause civil disorder could gain any momentum in the capital towns of a country that has gained recognition as the champion of civil rights and order in the world. 

In fact, I personally believe that it wouldn’t even cross the mind of anyone who has travelled to the seat of the government of the United States of America, Washington, D.C., that an attempt to thwart and prevent the application of democracy would work. But all that happened because one person, I mean just one influential leader, decided to incite his followers over a belief that their democratic rights had been abused and compromised.

The amenities and fruits of the democratic system, and the rights and privileges of the citizens of America, are so cherished and guarded by almost every segment of American society that “no one dares to play with any of the above,” whether in politics or just in social and communal discourse.

Beyond all that, the good people of the United States of America have given priority to peace in their homeland over their cherished democratic system.

This is evident in the handling of the actions of the former president, Donald Trump. I am simply referring to the famous insurrection of 2021 in the United States of America.

Nothing equates to the loss of a single life and peace of the people—not even the full gains of democracy over the rule of law and peace.

Barely a week ago, I read on Ghanaweb.com a statement purportedly made by a former diplomat and astute politician that “Ghana would become like Gaza or Ukraine if the electoral commission didn’t allow the electoral register to be audited forensically.”

I equate the above ill-fated statement to the one President Trump made to his followers that incited them to overturn the election results in his favour.

In a small country like Ghana, with a population of a little over 35 million people, we cannot afford to lose our sight and grip on the wheels as we strive to maintain our position and commitment as the most peaceful country and the beacon of democracy in the sub-Saharan region.

In our drive and quest to achieve real holistic peace that encompasses total human security—which also invites and accommodates good governance, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of the people—we can decide to do away with and sacrifice the type of democracy that Ghana and several African countries are practicing, for peace.

As we hypocritically rain and shower praises and blessings on President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, we are promoting his style of governance and system of living and leadership. Certainly, nobody can assert that our revered President Kagame is really practicing the type of democracy that we are observing and applying here in Ghana today, as we allow some powerful influencers to dictate to us how to apply the principles of leadership and governance in our country.

In Nicaragua, a nice and beautiful country that has now become a transit point to the United States or Canada, I enjoyed my brief stay. My observation in Nicaragua is that the type of democracy President Ortega is running is no different from Rwanda, except that Nicaragua has serious human rights issues of concern to all.

In 2016, President Ortega nominated his wife as vice president of the Republic, and the party consented, eventually winning the elections. What a wonderful country.

Let’s face the facts—everyone wants to share happy moments with loved ones. I would not encourage this anywhere, although I see no harm if the wife or family member is qualified.

My point is that “whatever system of governance Rwanda and Nicaragua are administering in their countries, they are proportionally trying to deliver for their people, and most of all, they have brought about peace and stability in their countries.”

I am in no way advancing any theory or argument for Ghana to follow suit, but I am seriously advocating for us to “choose peace and stability in Ghana at the expense of a democracy that ruins our peace.”

Any good leader can deliver for his people without democracy.

The late Colonel Gaddafi—may his soul rest in peace—delivered to his people beyond doubt, and presently, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Bin Salman, whom I admire so much, is delivering to his people beyond doubt. In the two regimes above (Libya and Saudi Arabia), no single principle or element of democracy is fully respected.

As I write this article, about 600 people have been reported killed by terrorists in our neighbouring country, Burkina Faso. Our families in Burkina, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Nigeria tell us of the fear and instability they feel anytime they hear the sound of fireworks or anything that resembles gunfire.

It is for this reason that I am urging all peace-loving Ghanaians and everyone living in Ghana to:

1.    Choose peace over the type of democracy that allows us to destroy the very peaceful ambience, stability, religious and traditional tolerance, and coexistence that we have built and maintained for decades.

2.    Try, in our own communities beginning at home, to establish a system where justice is cherished and respected above all.

3.    Help, encourage, and collaborate with law enforcement officers to be professional in their duties, impartial, and uphold the constitution of the Republic without fear or favour.

4.    Adopt as a way of life, and instil in the minds and lifestyles of children, the principles of fairness, kindness, love, unity, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, compassion, and care for one another.

In my religious tradition, Islam encourages us to take care of one another, love your neighbour as yourself, feed and clothe the poor and needy, accommodate the orphans, and love them. Be respectful to the elderly and merciful to the young. Give priority to mothers when it comes to obedience and kindness, above fathers.

Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.

The author is Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman is the Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council of the National Peace Council of Ghana (NPC).
He is also the Ambassador, African Youth Assembly for Peace (AYAP).